WASHINGTON — The United States and Iran exchanged sharp threats after Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, further raising the risk of a wider regional confrontation and new disruptions to Gulf energy exports.
President Donald Trump warned that Iran must reach an agreement or face further economic collapse and possible attacks on its leadership. Iran’s military responded by promising sustained retaliation against U.S. forces and regional allies if the country is attacked again, saying it had information that another strike was being prepared, Reuters reported.
Threats Accompanied by a Possible Diplomatic Opening
Trump also left open the possibility of meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Iranian military officials said regional countries that support attacks against Iran would be treated as participants in the conflict. Tehran has maintained that it is prepared both to resist military pressure and to pursue diplomacy.
Houthis Claim Attacks Near Saudi Capital
The escalation followed Houthi missile and drone attacks on targets around Riyadh. The Iran-backed group claimed responsibility for strikes on what it called sensitive sites near the Saudi capital’s main airport. Independent confirmation of all the Houthis’ claims was not immediately available.
Saudi Arabia confirmed that a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh had been intercepted. Residents reported explosions and smoke near the airport, but Saudi authorities reported no damage or casualties from that attempted strike, according to the Associated Press.
Shipping and Energy Risks Grow
The latest confrontation comes as the Houthis expand their control in western Yemen, including areas near the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait. A senior Houthi official told the Associated Press that the group did not intend to target U.S. vessels unless they were connected to Saudi operations, while warning regional governments against supporting Riyadh.
Restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continue to weigh on Gulf energy supplies and increase risks for global oil prices.
Gulf markets moved lower Sunday. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index fell 0.3%, while Qatar’s index dropped 1.1%, Reuters reported. Investors are watching an expected meeting between Trump and Gulf leaders for signs of whether a path toward de-escalation remains open.
Source: Vesti Baku